Russ Tolman

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Russ Tolman

Bio

Russ first landed in Davis in 1976, quickly ensconcing himself in the somewhat welcoming arms of KDVS, where he did a show under his own name and the moniker Dexter Deadbolt until 1986. Along the way, Tolman met fellow K-Deviants Steve Wynn and Kendra Smith, who along with Gavin Blair and Steve Suchil formed Davis's first new wave band, Suspects. Steve and Kendra left for LA, eventually forming the Dream Syndicate. Russ and Gavin reunited in True West, who in the course of their two albums crisscrossed the U.S. multiple times; were singled out in a Rolling Stone feature in 1984; toured Europe and the U.K., making the front pages of the big three music publications of the day: the NME, Melody Maker, and Sounds; and opened for REM on their 1985 Fables of the Reconstruction tour, after which Russ left the band.

On the radio side with the handle Ranger Russ, Tolman was among the original DJ line-up of KYLO "Grassroots Radio," which started up in Davis in '79 playing folk, outlaw country, swing, honky tonk, and what-have-you. Russ eventually became program director until getting the axe in '83, just in time for True West's first tour.

Along with the release of his first solo album, Totem Poles and Glory Holes (recorded in Davis), Russ moved south to LA in 1986. Seven more albums have followed over the years. Russ is currently writing for his ninth, which he plans to record in Nashville.

Tolman is excited to be back in the radio saddle. After a recent couple-year stint on internet start-up Gimme Country, Russ is ready to get his feet back on the ground with some good old terrestrial broadcasting. Join him for a musical whirlwind on the Russ Tolman Goodtime Hour.

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Check out Russ's full bio on wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russ_Tolman

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Programs

The Russ Tolman Goodtime Hour

Listen on KDRT 95.7FM: Thursday 9-10pm, Friday 5-6pm and Sunday 6-7pm